Benedict Peters: Aiteo's international ambitions

I am delighted to announce that Aiteo Group has appointed Mr. Ratko M. Knezevic to our integrated energy group's global Executive Management team as Group Advisor on Business and Capital Development, with effect from 1 May, 2017.

Mr Knezevic will be responsible for counselling Aiteo's leadership and raising funds from global capital markets to deliver on the company's growth and diversification targets in Nigeria and across Africa.

Mr Knezevic has over 20 years' experience in international business, investment banking, world political affairs, and international government relations, with previous roles as Vice Chairman of Macquarie Capital EMEA and senior advisory roles with some of the biggest blue chip companies in the world. Mr. Knezevic also served as Special Advisor for Economic and Foreign affairs to Prime Minister of Montenegro from 1994-1997, in which time he was appointed Chief of the Montenegrin Mission to the United States of America.

In 2017, Aiteo Group emerged as Nigeria's leading indigenous oil and gas company after it tripled existing production from 23kbbl/d upon takeover of operations to a peak of 90Kbbl/d within one year of its acquisition of OML 29, reputedly the largest onshore oil block in Sub-Saharan Africa, from Royal Dutch Shell.

This appointment is a testament to Aiteo's commitment to stable, experienced leadership and I believe with Ratko Knezevic's exemplary guidance and advice, based on his vast experience in the UK, US Europe and China in capital markets, we will continue to thrive in a sustainable manner. Mr Knezevic's unrivalled network within global capital markets offers an excellent opportunity for investment in Nigeria and Africa through the Aiteo Group.

“Africa is a new market and offers me a new challenge. My previous clients are some of the world's biggest capital movers, and looking through their eyes I can see the potential of Aiteo as a company. I will be saying nothing new to recognise that future world economic growth lies with Africa, and I am excited about playing a role in Aiteo's expansion, diversification and international stakeholder engagement.”

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